The most accurate comparison of the actions taken by Stalin, Hitler, and Mussolini to grow their totalitarian authority would be:
Stalin, Hitler, and Mussolini all forcibly assumed state control of privately owned land.
This statement reflects a key action taken by all three leaders to consolidate power and eliminate private ownership or opposition to the state. Stalin implemented collectivization in the Soviet Union, effectively taking control of agricultural land. Mussolini enacted land reforms that reduced the power of landowners, while Hitler's regime also nationalized industries and sought to control key sectors of the economy.
The other statements contain inaccuracies or misleading elements. For example:
-
The assertion that they all ignored the effects of the Great Depression is overly simplistic; while they had different responses, each leader attempted to manipulate the situation to strengthen their control.
-
Hitler did indeed invade neighboring countries, which was central to his expansionist policies, while Mussolini also pursued imperial ambitions in Africa. Stalin was focused more on internal consolidation but did engage in territorial expansion through annexations.
-
The claim that Stalin and Mussolini forcibly silenced political opponents but not Hitler is not correct; Hitler also employed intense repression, including the use of concentration camps and the Night of the Long Knives to eliminate rivals.
Therefore, the action of forcibly assuming state control of land is the most relevant and widely applicable among these leaders' methods of expanding their totalitarian regimes.